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Maine Antique Digest, April 2015 29-B
- FEATURE -
Becket said this circa 1900
18k gold, amethyst, enamel,
emerald, and diamond pill-
box “is not something we typ-
ically handle in the jewelry
department” because it falls
under the category of vertu.
“It is certainly more than
your average pillbox…it’s
charming and precious, and
the fact that it’s still in such
good condition—that’s why
we included it in this sale.”
With French assay and work-
shop marks, it realized $8750
(est. $6000/8000). Sotheby’s,
New York.
This 12¾" to 13¾" silver-topped gold and diamond
choker on black velvet had diamond elements from
the mid-19th century. Becket hadn’t come across a
choker quite like this and thought it was “conceivable
that this element could’ve been taken from a larger piece,
for example, a necklace, as opposed to just an element to use
on a choker.” She hesitated “to make this one much of an example
beyond the fact that it does show something that has antique elements
performing well.” It sold for $23,750 (est. $8000/12,000). Sotheby’s, New
York.
Becket noted that there has been
a “re-emergence in popular-
ity of 1970s/80s styles,” and this
signed 18k two-color gold, citrine,
onyx, and diamond cuff-brace-
let by Marina B is an example
of that trend. Composed of tri-
angle-shaped motifs centered by
pear-shaped cabochon citrines
accented by round diamonds
weighing approximately 11.20
carats, the bracelet had an interior
circumference of 6".
It sold for
$21,250 (est.
$7000/9000). Sothe-
by’s, New York.
Becket said Sotheby’s
was pleasantly surprised
at how this contempo-
rary pair of white gold,
metal, enamel, and rock
crystal ear clips by Luz
Camino performed. “It
really boiled down to
two people who really
wanted them.” Signed
“Camino,” with her
maker’s mark, the ear-
rings sold well above the
high estimate for $22,500
(est. $800/1200). “I think
that that’s really a clas-
sic example of the magic
of the auction room.”
Sotheby’s, New York.
This circa 1915 Tiffany & Co. gold, lapis
lazuli, emerald, and enamel 15½" long
necklace designed by Louis Comfort Tif-
fany with Meta K. Overbeck sold within
estimate for $37,500 (est. $30,000/50,000).
Becket was “a little disappointed that this
didn’t do better…it’s a great style, it’s a
great name.” She thought that the reason
could be that “necklaces are not quite as
popular right now as other forms” or that
they didn’t have the right two people in
the auction room that day. Sotheby’s,
New York.
These two 30" long signed
Van Cleef & Arpels “Alham-
bra” necklaces “were not
necessarily vintage,” according
to Catharine Becket. The 18k
gold example, left, composed of 20
quatrefoil-shaped gold links, real-
ized $16,250 (est. $8000/12,000). The
18k gold and tiger’s-eye quartz version,
right, composed of 20 quatrefoil-shaped
links applied with tiger's-eye quartz, brought
$17,500 (est. $8000/12,000). Becket said,
“Despite these necklaces being produced in large
numbers, we occasionally achieve prices that meet
or exceed the retail price. This can be accounted for
by several factors, including ‘auction fever,’ the dis-
continuation of certain materials, and/or the premium
paid for vintage over newly made pieces.” The latter two
applied in the case of these two lots. Sotheby’s.
This 18k gold, golden beryl, enamel, and
diamond owl brooch by Lucien Gautrait,
France, “is classically Art Nouveau in that
it involves enamel work, and it’s an organic
figure versus an abstract one,” according to
Becket. Signed “L. Gautrait,” it had French
assay and maker’s marks and brought
$21,250 (est. $8000/10,000). Sotheby’s, New
York.
This collection of Vic-
torian diamond, gem-
stone, enamel, and 14k
gold jewelry consisting
of a bangle bracelet,
pendant brooch (not
shown), and earrings set
with foil-backed green
stones accented by
black enamel and rose-
cut diamonds sold for
$1920 (est. $900/1400).
Freeman’s.
This 2¼" long Victorian diamond, seed pearl, and 18k gold locket sold for $1750
(est. $800/1200). Freeman’s.
This 16" long dia-
mond, cultured pearl,
and platinum neck-
lace, designed as three
crowns set with single
and
transitional-cut
diamonds and accented
by cultured pearls, had
a total diamond weight
of approximately 4.05
carats.
It
realized
$2500 (est. $1400/1800).
Freeman’s.
This two-piece lot consisting of enamel, diamond,
sapphire and synthetic sapphire, hardstone, seed
pearl, and 14k and 18k gold and white gold included
a 1¾" enamel brooch and a 7¾" long Piaget brace-
let watch. The lot brought $1920 (est. $1200/1800).
Freeman’s.
This pair of diamond, 18k gold, and platinum
1¼" ear clips and a 2¾" double clip brooch,
with single and round brilliant-cut diamonds
weighing approximately 1.60 carats, sold
well above the high estimate for $3750 (est.
$700/900). Freeman’s.